Continue the review of the Youth Programme and develop resource and training material for the new Youth Programme by 2007;
Develop Strategic objectives from the Vision and undertake initiatives at Provincial and National level that will contribute to their delivery
Deliver an exciting, challenging, adventurous and fun-filled programme for all our Youth members;
Make sure we use the Scout Method in all that we do.
Thank you all for you loyalty and service to Scouting Ireland. Long may it continue as together we do our best to be true to our Scout Promise and try to live by the Scout Law.
Martin Burbridge Chief
Scout.
Presentation to Tommy Nesbitt
Presentation of Chief Scout Awards to Steven Roulston and Padraig Porter from the 3rd Donegal
often repeated, have a different and refreshing quality about them. Without the Out-of- Doors, the quality, and uniqueness of Scouting’s programmes would be lost. A new policy document adopted by the Interim National Management Committee highlighted the importance of our Campsites and Scout Centres throughout the country (both National and others) to the delivery of the Youth Programme to our youth members. The Policy envisages the development of a network of Campsites/ Scout Centres throughout the country providing facilities which will complement and support the delivery of our Youth Programme through programme activities. The establishment of a Programme Team with responsibility for Camping and Campsites/ Scout Centres towards the end of 2004 will aid the Association’s focus in this regard. During 2004, significant further work was completed by the committee charged with responsibility for the development of the Castle Saunderson project, to secure significant statutory funding for the development of this campsite as a permanent Jamboree Campsite cum Peace & Reconciliation Youth Centre. Phase 1 of the Project will cost circa €10 million. At this juncture, progress is at an advanced stage in securing very significant grants from Statutory Agencies, which will facilitate the successful development of this Project. If the work in progress comes to fruition, then it is likely that site works will commence in the Autumn/Winter of 2005/2006
Eamonn Lynch, Chief Executive Officer.
The System for Quality Scouting consistently generates discussion amongst Scouters and managers at Group and County level. It is important that we do not look at SQS as ‘checking up’ on Group Leaders. Rather it should be seen as a valuable tool to assist in managing the Group. The National Team for Policy Implementation and Coordination has recognised the need for a greater understanding of this system at all levels of Scouting Ireland and we hope to address this by mid 2005.
During 2004 we saw the transition from Nationally run to Provincially run Training Courses. These appear to have been a great success with an increase in the overall number of Scouters attending Training Courses. More information on Leader Training developments is elsewhere in the Report.
The National Adult Resources Committee looks at many ways of supporting Scouters as they deliver programme. We must look at social issues which affect adult volunteers in such areas as special leave, continuity of service, taxation and welfare, dealing with a crisis and counselling. A Scouter ‘time out’ area was piloted in Larch Hill this summer. We hope to extend this to other Campsites in 2005.
A Commissioners briefing day was held in January and the first annual conference held in October. Both of these provided an opportunity for Commissioners to become familiar with the various new policies and procedures in Scouting Ireland. It was also a welcome opportunity for Commissioners to make theirs, and your, points of view to those who support scouting at National Level. The next Commissioners Conference will be held in October 2005.
The Interim National Management Committee as part of its objectives set about the drafting of a 3-year strategy for Scouting Ireland. The core of that strategy was introduced by the Chief Scout to the first meeting of the National Council: “Whilst it must be recognised that Scouting is a Movement that should continuously evolve and change this strategic vision will help us to deliver on the fundamentals of Scouting Ireland as defined in the Constitution and Rules. These fundamentals describe our purpose as an organisation, they are the reason we are in existence and will serve as the backdrop to all that we do.
In order to provide us with a clear focus for our work over the next few years we have drawn up our “Commitment to Youth”. This is a straightforward statement of what we expect Scouting Ireland will offer and deliver to each youth member by the time we reach the 100th anniversary of the formation of Scouting in 2007.”
Scouting Ireland’s Commitment to Youth
Scouting is a journey of discovery and during your journey with us you will:
• Learn more about yourself, your abilities and what you believe in
• Make friends and visit new places
• Learn to love and enjoy the out of doors
• Take part in adventurous activities that challenge you mentally, physically, spiritually and emotionally and help you realise your potential
• Learn life skills, teamwork and leadership
• Learn about your Community, and the World, and what you can do to make it a better place
• Make good friends and have a lot of fun
You are expected to:
• Accept responsibility for your decisions and your actions
• Speak your mind honestly, always considering the opinions and feelings of others
• Listen to others and try to understand their point of view
• Keep your promises and honour your commitments
• Take care of yourself and ensure the others in your team stay safe
• Take pride in yourself and do your best at all times
• Try to live by the Scout Promise & Law
We give you this commitment:
• Your safety and welfare will be our uppermost priority
• Your views and opinions will be listened to and respected
• We will help you to plan your own journey with us at your own pace
A Strategy for Scouting2007
• In the course of this journey your efforts will be supported
• You will have a say in how Scouting Ireland is run
• Your endeavors and contribution will be recognised along the way
The National Management Committee continues to work on that strategic vision and will develop an initial set of objectives for the Association’s efforts over the next few years. These objectives will help the Association to prepare a detailed plan for the development, implementation, monitoring and management of initiatives at all its levels so that together all its members can participate in achieving its Aim.
Youth Programme Review
Scouting Ireland is currently engaging in the single most significant review of the Youth Programme for Scouting in Ireland since the commencement of Scouting. The Youth Programme Review commenced at the beginning of 2004 and is being carried out by the National Youth Programme Committee which is facilitated in this process by the Programme Review Team .
The Challenge
The challenge in reviewing the Youth Programme is to create the best possible programme for Scouting Ireland which will be current and relevant to young people today and include all the best methods and educational objectives that Scouting has to offer. The Review Team is using RAP (Renewed Approach to Programme – a tool developed by the World Organisation of the Scout Movement) to meet this challenge.
The entire Youth Programme from start age to finish age will be reviewed as a single progressive programme. The Youth Programme Review relates to all aspects of the Programme including Objectives, Methods, Activities, Progressive Scheme, Adult Training, Awareness and Resources.
A target date of summer 2007 has been set for the completion of the Review.
RAP
The RAP methodology being used to carry out the Review is a systematic approach with clearly defined steps and which is measurable at all stages. It looks at every aspect of the programme including the age ranges for Programme Sections and how they all fit together. It adapts Youth Programme to the needs and aspirations of young people, in our society, at the present time and has an in-built review process to ensure that the Programme continues to be relevant.
RAP consists of eight stages as follows -
1. Educational Proposal
2. Areas of Personal Growth
3. General Educational Objectives
4. Stages of Development and Age Sections
5. Section Educational Objectives
6. Activities
7. Section Methods
8. Personal Progressive Scheme
Consultation
In carrying out the Review, the Programme Review Team have surveyed young members of Scouting Ireland and young people who are not involved in Scouting. Care was taken to ensure a good geographic mix. In particular there has been input from 20 Scout Groups from various parts of the country, whose input will increase as the process goes forward. Adult members of Scouting and other stakeholders including parents, teachers and community representatives were also surveyed to obtain their opinions. The results from such consultations was reported to the National Youth Programme Committee.
The National Youth Programme Committee have also had the benefit of input from educationalists, from academics working in the areas of children’s research and social policy, and from the European Scout Region.
Progress
The Educational Proposal was completed in August 2004, approved by the Interim National Management Committee and presented at the National Council meeting in October 2004. The General Educational Objectives are set for completion in February 2005.
Work is currently in progress on Stages of Development, Age Sections and Section Educational Objectives. It is planned that this work will be completed by summer 2005. At that stage work with the National Adult Resources Committee and the Training Team can commence in earnest, with a view to having adult training resources developed to reflect the new programme material.
In the latter half of 2005 work will continue with the National Youth Programme Committee and the other Programme Teams to develop activities, methods and progressive schemes. This work will then be piloted, while resource materials are developed.
The work programme to carry out the Youth Programme Review is immense and detailed. It will take time to complete but the outcome will provide Scouting Ireland with its first Youth Programme – one which will meet the aims and objectives of this new Association in encouraging the physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual development of young people so that they may achieve their full potential and, as responsible citizens, to improve society.
Leader Training in Scouting
Ireland - The Woodbadge Scheme
The Training Team through the National Adult Resources Committee (and initially as a partnership group from the Training Teams of both former associations) immediately commenced work on a new Leader Training Scheme for Scouting Ireland. The guiding principles are grounded upon the report of the Steering Committee adopted by the National Councils of both former associations. As a result the Training courses of the Woodbadge Scheme are developed by the Training Team but delivered through the Scout Provinces with the goal of making Leader Training more accessible and flexible for Scouters. The focus is firmly on skills which Scouters need to deliver the Youth Programme.
1. Welcome to Scouting is first stage of the Woodbadge Scheme and delivered to the Volunteer by either the Group Leader or Group Trainer prior to their involvement with our youth members or as an Associate Member. This initial training will take up to 6 weeks to complete.
2. Scouting Fundamentals covers the basics requirements for a Scouter to run an active and fun programme within their Programme Section. This training takes a full day to complete.
3. Scouting Essentials shows the Scouter how to implement the Association’s Youth Programme and in particular having regard to the Programme Section age range that they deliver the Youth Programme to. This module is completed over a weekend or can be done in stages during weeknights.
4. Skills workshops allow the Leaders to gain the hard skills they need.
5. Section Overnights covers the organisation and planning needed to take Scouts away on over night activities.
6. The Scouting Leadership Course is carried out over a weekend and covers the personal development of the Scouter thus enabling them to carry out their role with other Scouters.
All Programme Scouters are required to undertake a course and receive a First Aid Certificate. A list of recognised bodies, delivering such courses, is provided at the Welcome to Scouting course and they may be carried out within the Group, County or Province.
In order to complete the Woodbadge Scheme each Scouter is required to complete a project relevant to their needs and to the development of their Programme Section or Scout Group. A mentor will work closely with the Scouter to provide necessary encouragement to fulfil this task. Following an assessment on completion of the Project the Woodbadge will be presented at a suitable venue.
Following a review of Group Leader Training a revised Training Programme is now complete and is being delivered at Provincial Level. It is also being delivered to other members and officers of the Group Council.
In addition the Training Team is currently working on increasing the number of Trainers who will deliver courses throughout the Scout Provinces.
By mid 2005 over 1,000 Scouters will have received training throughout the 6 Provinces.
The Inaugural Meeting of the National Council of Scouting Ireland was held over two days, in the Helix Centre, in DCU, Glasnevin, Dublin on 16/17th October ’04. Over 600 delegates attended and robust discussion and debate took place.
The meeting was opened by the Chief Scout in the presence of Mr. P.J. Breen, Principal Officer of the Youth Affairs Section of the Department of Education and Science (deputising for Minister Síle de Valera, T.D.). Mr Breen addressed the meeting, delivering the Minister’s speech congratulating the members of Scouting Ireland on their new association and paying tribute to the work of the Association and its volunteers and their contribution to Irish Society.
The Chief Scout launched the “Introducing Scouting Ireland” Exposition before lunch on Saturday. The colourful and professional Exposition portrayed a celebration of the Association’s first few months with participation from all Programme Teams (from Beaver Scouts to Water activities), the Communications Team, International Teams, An Gaisce, Outdoor Adventure Store/ Scout Shop and many others. The Exposition ran until Sunday afternoon and was well attended. The Chief Scout also went “live” on Jamboree on the Air, which was taking place around the World on the same weekend, at the special station set up in the midst of the Exposition.
Delegates and members of the National Council joined other members of the Association on Saturday afternoon at Provincial Meetings where the various Provincial Commissioners and the Provincial Management/ Support Teams reviewed progress to date and set targets for the future with members from their Provinces. The remainder of Saturday afternoon was taken up with “Special Single Item Agenda Meetings” with 5 topics available:
Youth Participation in Decision Making - How will we achieve this?
Leader Training - its development and delivery in Scouting Ireland.
SQS - How can we analyse what we do?
A new Youth Programme for Scouting Ireland - First Steps and Principles International Scouting - How can we promote awareness throughout Scouting Ireland?
The consultation meetings raised several points, which were all recorded for detailed examination by the National Management Committee.
The meeting of the National Council reconvened on Sunday morning to deal with numerous motions including the proposal on a new Uniform for the Association. That proposal was adopted and it is envisaged that the Uniform should be available before September 2005.
The First Meeting of the National Council of
Scouting Ireland
Following elections, the under mentioned people were elected to the National Management committee:
